Dartmouth will benefit from investment in community park, helping deepen connections to people and places

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

The Government of Canada is fueling wellness, inclusivity and community revitalization

August 18, 2023 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian communities flourish when they have safe, welcoming public spaces where people can come together to connect, engage, and participate in recreational programs and activities. By investing in our infrastructure, we not only stimulate economies and create jobs – we build communities that attract people and businesses and make them want to stay.

Today, Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, announced an investment of $73,579 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) to the Kiwanis Club of Dartmouth Charitable Foundation. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The contribution enabled the registered charity to create an accessible outdoor seating area at the newly completed Kiwanis Grahams Grove Community Building. The project included the purchase and installation of park benches, accessible picnic tables, and an illuminated sign, as well as other improvements. This welcoming and functional space will allow community members of all abilities to enjoy the park and spend time outdoors with friends and family.

Atlantic Canada has the wind in its sails. In March, the Public Policy Forum published a report that confirms Atlantic Canada’s economy is bustling and the region is poised for exponential growth. Today’s announcement highlights the Government of Canada’s commitment to build on that momentum by strengthening our communities, creating new opportunities, and setting the stage for a strong, sustainable future.

Quotes

“Atlantic Canada is at a turning point, brimming with new energy and growth. Investing in shared public spaces like Kiwanis Grahams Grove Community Park in Dartmouth builds resilience, boosts tourism, and gives residents more opportunities to deepen their connection to the people and places that we call home.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Outdoor gathering spaces like Grahams Grove Park hold a special place in the hearts of generations of Dartmouth-area families and residents. We’ve launched canoes here, enjoyed ice cream with our kids in the summer, and picked out the perfect Christmas tree in winter—spaces like this help strengthen our community. I am so proud that our government is investing and supporting the creation of this beautiful and accessible outdoor sitting area, so that people of all ages and abilities can truly enjoy spending time at the park with friends, family and neighbours.”
- Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour

“The Dartmouth Kiwanis Club wants Grahams Grove Park to be a spot for families and the community to gather, be active and enjoy an ice cream!  We greatly appreciate ACOA’s support for outdoor furniture and signage; this investment will make a big difference for the park and the community.”
- Tim Rissesco, Past President, Kiwanis Club of Dartmouth

Quick facts

  • In 1971, through the help of municipal grants, Kiwanis Club of Dartmouth developed a park located at 45 Grahams Grove. Recognizing their financial contribution, the City of Dartmouth officially sanctioned the park as Kiwanis Grahams Grove Park. 

  • Today, the Halifax Regional Municipality-owned 5.43-acre park includes a paved parking lot, washroom facilities, drinking fountain, open field, boat house, picnic tables, benches and multi-use trails. The park is located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Banook and is used by the community for recreational canoe/kayaking, dog walking and general park use. 

  • The new Kiwanis Grahams Grove Community Building was completed in the summer of 2023, giving the community access to a meeting room, canteen, and accessible washroom facility and boat rentals. The building is leased to the Kiwanis Club of Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Dragonboat Association.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund was launched in June 2021 and ended on March 31, 2023. The fund provided $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible.

  • The CCRF supported two major streams of activity:
    o   adapting community spaces and assets to be more accessible and inclusive,
    o   building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to engage in and explore their communities and regions.

     

Associated links

Contacts

Hugo Alvarez
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
Hugo.Alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Tim Rissesco
Past President
Dartmouth Kiwanis Club
902-430-8236
trissesco@gmail.com


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